Welcome to your Economics Subject Guide!

The purpose of this guide is to help you with your study and research in the field of Economics by gathering all the resources that you will need (books, journals, databases, websites and a referencing guide) into one place.

Ask a Librarian Use Ask Us! for questions you might ask a librarian in person.

You can search for answers to previous questions here, or ask a new question.

Introductory Economics videos

What the Social Progress Index can reveal about your country

Michael Green: What the Social Progress Index can reveal about your country

The term Gross Domestic Product is often talked about as if it were “handed down from god on tablets of stone.” But this concept was invented by an economist in the 1920s. We need a more effective measurement tool to match 21st century needs, says Michael Green: the Social Progress Index. With charm and wit, he shows how this tool measures societies across the three dimensions that actually matter. And reveals the dramatic reordering of nations that occurs when you use it.

Recently-arrived books

The Handbook of Alternative Theories of Economic Development explores the theories and approaches which, over a prolonged period of time, have existed as viable alternatives to today's mainstream and neo-classical tenets. With a total of 40 specially commissioned chapters, written by the foremost authorities in their respective fields, this volume represents a landmark in the field of economic development. It elucidates the richness of the alternative and sometimes misunderstood ideas which, in different historical contexts, have proved to be vital to the improvement of the human condition. This comprehensive Handbook offers an unrivalled review and analysis of alternative and heterodox theories of economic development. It should be read by all serious scholars, teachers and students of development studies, and indeed anyone interested in alternatives to development orthodoxy.

The revival of economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is all the more welcome for having followed one of the worst economic disasters since the industrial revolution. Six of the world's fastest growing economies in the 2000s were African. But with the exception of Ethiopia and Rwanda, the growth of these African nations was largely fueled by discoveries and the rising price of oil. Deindustrialization has yet to be reversed and structural transformation remains limited. This book explores the vital role that industrial policies can play in bringing about a transformation of African economies. Such policies pertain not just to industry. They traverse all economic sectors, including finance, information technology, and agriculture. More accurately understood as a package of learning, industrial, and technology (LIT) policies, they aim to bring vigorous and lasting growth to the region. This collection features case studies of LIT policies in action in many parts of the world, examining their risks and rewards and what they mean for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa has experienced two liberations: the first from colonial and racist regimes, and the second from the autocrats who often followed foreign rule. African countries now have the potential to undertake a third liberation--from political economies chracterised by graft, crony capitalism, rent-seeking, elitism and social inequality. This third liberation will open up the economic space in which business can compete--a necessary condition for expanding employment. During the 2000s, the continent had its best growth decade on record since independence. High commodity prices offer a launch pad for sustained growth and employment creation. Now is the moment for African countries to act. This book asks how the political leaders of Africa, as well as interest groups can promote economic growth in their countries.